The replacement cycle of the filters on the supply air ceiling of the operating room should be comprehensively determined based on the type of filter, the usage frequency of the operating room, the environmental dust load and the pressure difference monitoring data. The specific standards are as follows:
Primary filter
The regular replacement cycle is 1 to 3 months.
If the average daily number of surgeries in the operating room is high, the amount of dust in the surrounding environment is large, or the reading of the differential pressure gauge reaches twice the initial differential pressure, it needs to be replaced immediately. After each operation, large particles of dust on the surface can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner to extend the service life.
Medium-efficiency filter
The regular replacement cycle is 3 to 6 months.
As a “pre-protection” for high-efficiency filters, it needs to be replaced in advance if there is a significant decrease in air volume, severe dust accumulation at the air outlet, or excessive pressure difference.
High-efficiency filter
The regular replacement cycle is 1 to 2 years. This is the core component of air purification in clean operating rooms, and the pressure difference monitoring data serves as the core basis for replacement.
When the reading of the differential pressure gauge reaches 1.5 to 2 times the initial differential pressure, or when the dust particle counter detects that the cleanliness of the operating room does not meet the standards, it must be replaced immediately. In addition, after completing infectious surgeries (such as surgeries for patients with infectious diseases), the risk of filter contamination should be evaluated, and the filter should be replaced in advance if necessary.
Supplementary notes
After the high-efficiency filter is replaced, a leak test must be conducted to ensure there is no air leakage before it can be put into use.
All filter replacement operations must be carried out after the operating room has been cleaned and disinfected. Operators should wear clean suits and gloves to avoid human contamination.